WMG merges indie subsidiaries

Label group ILG joined to distribution arm ADA

Warner Music Group has merged its independent distribution arm Alternative Distribution Alliance and its indie label umbrella Independent Label Group.

Combined unit, which will bear the ADA name, will be headed by prexy David Orleans, who has helmed the indie distributor since September 2010. ILG GM Kenny Weagly will move to the newly created position of senior vp, A&R and label services.

Weagly will work closely with ADA GM Sean Rutkowski and vp of label development and strategy Brandon Squar; all report to Orleans. Operation is overseen by WEA senior vp of business affairs and development Ariel Taitz.

Orleans said in a statement, “Expanding our services means greater resource, broader expertise and more senior level support. This is a clear signal that we intend to stay leaders in our field by investing in our future and the futures of our labels.”

ADA currently distributes ILG’s releases, which include current or upcoming albums from the Hives, 10 Years, the Wombats and Silverchair. ILG has also issued recent chart releases by Cake, Dropkick Murphys and the Devil Wears Prada.